interviews

Q. Mixing music with art is a concept you've been credited with starting. What inspires you?A. Expressionist painting had always been a private passion until my bass player suggested I sell some of my paintings on tour. I thought I'd take it a step further and bring a glass canvas on stage and add an extra visual dimension to the performance while there's a guitar solo.

Q. Can you see it becoming a trend here?A. Music needs to be entertaining. I think just watching a band perform can become a little boring after a while. That's why bands have been using video images on huge screens. In Hollywood now, DJs are having artists draw while the music is spinning.

Q. You've been compared to Madonna, Ani DiFranco, Jackson Pollock, The Rolling Stones and Tori Amos. How do you view such comparisons?A. I'm flattered. Being a bit of a chameleon, I like to be viewed in different ways. All those people bring an aspect of performance into their art and cross boundaires.

Q. You've created an indie record label and use the Net to great effect. Do you think you could have achieved the same success from scratch in Australia?A. I needed to get out. America is challenging and LA is an epicentre for change. Everyone you meet professes to being able to make you a star, but it didn't take long to realise anyone can make it so long as they work hard and remain true to themselves and their art.

Q. What can we expect from your seminar and live show?A. I'll be sharing my experiences about marketing and promotion, then there will be a half-hour set on the piano. (About the Espy, Melbourne 19th Dec 2002 gig)